Janet A. Jilek

Janet A. Jilek, age 88 of Manitowoc, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

The former Janet Cavanaugh was born on January 6, 1937, in Manitowoc, a daughter of the late Edwin and Loretta (Fritsch) Cavanaugh. She was a graduate of Valders High School in 1954. On May 30, 1958, she was married to Kenneth J. Jilek at Holy Innocence Catholic Church in Manitowoc, he preceded her in death on October 8, 2013. The couple lived in the Milwaukee area for over 40 years and moved back to Manitowoc following retirement. In the past, Janet worked at Sears at the Southridge Mall in Milwaukee. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, crocheting, reading, puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law: Jim (Carol) Jilek, Shoto; two daughters: Cheryl Marsh, Two Rivers, Denise Spitzer, Manitowoc; two grandchildren: Dr. Elizabeth Jilek (Dr. Calvin Albrecht), Omaha, NE, Kenneth Jilek, Whitewater; one great-granddaughter: Scarlett Albrecht; one brother and sister-in-law: Burl (Pat) Cavanaugh, Manitowoc; two sisters and one brother-in-law: Judith Dietrich, Cato, Linda (Les) Mott, Manitowoc; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends survive. She was preceded in death by her parents: Edwin and Loretta Cavanaugh; her husband: Kenneth J. Jilek; two brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law: John Dietrich, James (Pat) Jilek, Charlene Jilek, Joan Jilek.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21st, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 423 South Main Street, Mishicot. The Rev. Leo Kandru will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with cremation to follow and entombment of her cremated remains in the Calvary Mausoleum, Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 10:00 a.m.

The family would like to express their thanks to Jay’s Legacy, especially Marjean, Janet, Abby and their supervisor Katie Jo, for their exceptional and compassionate care, and Sharon Richardson Community Hospice, especially Mykayla, for their kind care and keeping Janet comfortable.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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